Finally Started my Training!
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Cheers Mazzy! I just did a quick search of the Google play store and you can get the app there - it's £9.99 but well worth it in my opinion. A lot of the questions were either very similar or near identical to those on the tests. It would probably be possible to just 'remember the answers' but I made sure I read both books fully so I actually knew the content.
Got another lesson tomorrow myself. Had my medical yesterday and there was some issue regarding medication - need my GP to give the AME a report. Hopefully it isn't going to take too long to sort as I'm just about ready for solo circuits, minus the medical certificate
Got another lesson tomorrow myself. Had my medical yesterday and there was some issue regarding medication - need my GP to give the AME a report. Hopefully it isn't going to take too long to sort as I'm just about ready for solo circuits, minus the medical certificate
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Okay all, so another quick update on my flying progress so far....
I've now got a huge 7 hours under my belt and have just finished Exercises 7&8 of PPL1 book. After a bit of a shaky start with maintaining straight and level due to there being a significant lack of horizon for the last few lessons, making it hard to keep a steady attitude, it has somehow clicked into place. The whole motion of Power Attitude Trim (or Attitude Power Trim if levelling off from a climb) is starting to make a whole lot more sense and feels a lot more 'natural' if that's the right word! My taxiing is more controlled with less weaving from left to right and my instructor has now let me conduct the last two takeoff's which felt pretty damn good. To me, there's nothing better than advancing the throttle and seeing that speed climb, and then comes the magical feeling of getting airborne. Similarly, I have also had a go of landing as well, now that we have covered the approach set up. Both landings went well with smooth touchdowns and light compliments from the instructor which I'm not going to lie, put a grin on my face for the rest of the day!
So it's safe to say the bug has certainly taken over, I can't wait for this Sundays lesson in which we'll be covering turning. Again, it would be great to hear how everyone else is doing!
Tom
I've now got a huge 7 hours under my belt and have just finished Exercises 7&8 of PPL1 book. After a bit of a shaky start with maintaining straight and level due to there being a significant lack of horizon for the last few lessons, making it hard to keep a steady attitude, it has somehow clicked into place. The whole motion of Power Attitude Trim (or Attitude Power Trim if levelling off from a climb) is starting to make a whole lot more sense and feels a lot more 'natural' if that's the right word! My taxiing is more controlled with less weaving from left to right and my instructor has now let me conduct the last two takeoff's which felt pretty damn good. To me, there's nothing better than advancing the throttle and seeing that speed climb, and then comes the magical feeling of getting airborne. Similarly, I have also had a go of landing as well, now that we have covered the approach set up. Both landings went well with smooth touchdowns and light compliments from the instructor which I'm not going to lie, put a grin on my face for the rest of the day!
So it's safe to say the bug has certainly taken over, I can't wait for this Sundays lesson in which we'll be covering turning. Again, it would be great to hear how everyone else is doing!
Tom
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Hi Tom,
I well remember where you are now and it wasn't that long ago for me.
the lessons and exercises you're doing now will all make sense once you're doing circuits and you'll do lots of them!
I've got a 2.7 hours solo time now (see Personal Flying Videos Mark II thread) but still start each day with some dual time with my instructor. I'm normally the first lesson of the day and he likes to check the weather at circuit height and the thermal/wind landscape on final approach before sending me aloft alone, which is fine by me. I can drop him off on the apron and still have him in my head poking and prodding at the relevant times.
Forgetting to close carb heat on final is my weakness at the moment but I'm developing muscle-memory for the procedures and self commentating for mind-memory.
Another hour or so and some area familiarisation will hopefully see me solo outside the circuit.
It's amazing what a switch from runway 27 to 09 for the first time can do to your circuits "where the heck are my landmarks?".
We've also had time aloft where the circuit has been busy with turn-backs for passenger nausea and low altitudes joins etc where the post lesson briefing explained that it wasn't a good day to go solo; it was my intro to flapless landings and what with all the radio chatter, put an orbit in for spacing, don't put an orbit in as there's someone behind you, what's this numpty doing below us at 500 feet cutting across the base leg? etc.
It was a good days experience of a busy circuit and I took plenty of firsts from it anyway.
I'm weather watching now as I see lessons may start to get cancelled.
My instructor is also away for 3 weeks from mid September...augh.
The bank balance will be happy for the break though.
I well remember where you are now and it wasn't that long ago for me.
the lessons and exercises you're doing now will all make sense once you're doing circuits and you'll do lots of them!
I've got a 2.7 hours solo time now (see Personal Flying Videos Mark II thread) but still start each day with some dual time with my instructor. I'm normally the first lesson of the day and he likes to check the weather at circuit height and the thermal/wind landscape on final approach before sending me aloft alone, which is fine by me. I can drop him off on the apron and still have him in my head poking and prodding at the relevant times.
Forgetting to close carb heat on final is my weakness at the moment but I'm developing muscle-memory for the procedures and self commentating for mind-memory.
Another hour or so and some area familiarisation will hopefully see me solo outside the circuit.
It's amazing what a switch from runway 27 to 09 for the first time can do to your circuits "where the heck are my landmarks?".
We've also had time aloft where the circuit has been busy with turn-backs for passenger nausea and low altitudes joins etc where the post lesson briefing explained that it wasn't a good day to go solo; it was my intro to flapless landings and what with all the radio chatter, put an orbit in for spacing, don't put an orbit in as there's someone behind you, what's this numpty doing below us at 500 feet cutting across the base leg? etc.
It was a good days experience of a busy circuit and I took plenty of firsts from it anyway.
I'm weather watching now as I see lessons may start to get cancelled.
My instructor is also away for 3 weeks from mid September...augh.
The bank balance will be happy for the break though.
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Forgetting to close carb heat on final is my weakness at the moment but I'm developing muscle-memory for the procedures and self commentating for mind-memory.
From the Safety Sense Leaflet quoted in the AAIB report on the G-ATRR accident:
Blueduck: If you are flying an aircraft where you have to take your hand off the throttle to operate the carb heat, (all PA28s built after the late 1960s) do as your instructor says.
However:
NEVER orbit in an uncontrolled circuit pattern. You never know if there is someone behind you, or not.
MJ
l) Base Leg and Final Approach
Unless otherwise stated in the Pilot’s Operating Handbook or Flight Manual,
the HOT position should be selected well before power is reduced and retained
to touchdown. On some engine installations, to ensure better engine response
and to permit a go-around to be initiated without delay, it may be recommended
that the carb hot air be returned to COLD at about 200/300 ft on finals.’
Unless otherwise stated in the Pilot’s Operating Handbook or Flight Manual,
the HOT position should be selected well before power is reduced and retained
to touchdown. On some engine installations, to ensure better engine response
and to permit a go-around to be initiated without delay, it may be recommended
that the carb hot air be returned to COLD at about 200/300 ft on finals.’
However:
...put an orbit in for spacing, don't put an orbit in as there's someone behind you,
MJ
Last edited by Mach Jump; 8th Sep 2015 at 03:02.
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This.
I'm on a PA28-140 with push throttle, not quadrant style.
The carb heat is directly under my thumb with hand on throttle.
Go around and touch n go with hot air is very noticeable in terms of power reduction.
Thank you to all contributors.
Interesting AAIB report...
On some engine installations, to ensure better engine response
and to permit a go-around to be initiated without delay, it may be recommended
that the carb hot air be returned to COLD at about 200/300 ft on finals.’
and to permit a go-around to be initiated without delay, it may be recommended
that the carb hot air be returned to COLD at about 200/300 ft on finals.’
I'm on a PA28-140 with push throttle, not quadrant style.
The carb heat is directly under my thumb with hand on throttle.
Go around and touch n go with hot air is very noticeable in terms of power reduction.
Thank you to all contributors.
Interesting AAIB report...
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So it's safe to say the bug has certainly taken over, I can't wait for this Sundays lesson in which we'll be covering turning.
. Great to hear that you are really enjoying it, good innit 
.I was thinking as I read through this thread how as you develop as a pilot your 'stuff to concentrate on' changes. At the moment my taxiing is appallingly slack, not helped by the fact that the taxiways at some of the places I fly from are almost wide enough to land on; so I make a real concerted effort to stay on the centreline. That's the 'get a grip' bit of my flying at the moment. Oddly enough though if I'm somewhere were the taxiways are very narrow I have no problem staying in the middle.
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passed my skills test a month ago, I was expecting myself to jump up in the air from happiness, party all night, but somehow I felt absolutely nothing. Tired, exhausted - yes - but happy? I know I've been happier.. Anyway, bless the IAA, I got my licence on hand just a few days later, got my first passenger and only then I realized what's wrong. I am so used to training routine it's hard to switch away from that - I still arrive at the club and look at my instructor like a dog looks at it's owner expecting the instructor to say - ok lets go to the aircraft.. The route to PPL is full of milestones - you have your first flight, your medical, your solo, your written exams, your qualifying cross country and the skills test. It just felt as if another milestone has been reached but I have a million more to reach (in a way that's kind of true)
It's all me now, you don't fully digest it until you're taking off with your first PAX, this is when the bell rings, learning curve continues, you have new responsibilities now, you're a fully licensed pilot! Obviously the joy finally kicked in once I got my first pax down on the ground in one piece, we were both smiling and laughing like mad, real joy, doesn't get any better than this..
as for the paying up front bit, I know the general advice is not to do it as many schools can go bust, but I did it anyway as I have great trust in my club and ended up saving nearly a grand. Use your own judgement in this matter.
It's all me now, you don't fully digest it until you're taking off with your first PAX, this is when the bell rings, learning curve continues, you have new responsibilities now, you're a fully licensed pilot! Obviously the joy finally kicked in once I got my first pax down on the ground in one piece, we were both smiling and laughing like mad, real joy, doesn't get any better than this..
as for the paying up front bit, I know the general advice is not to do it as many schools can go bust, but I did it anyway as I have great trust in my club and ended up saving nearly a grand. Use your own judgement in this matter.
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It's been a while....
Hello all that are still following this thread!
It's been an absolutely crazy past few months due to work and other flying ambitions, hence the lack of posting on here, and unfortunately the lack of hours gained in the sky! Currently at 11.5 hours now with the next lesson being stalling so definitely one to look forward to.
Will try and keep a log of how the lessons go, so would be great to hear if anyone else is at a similar position to me and how they're doing!
Cheers
Mazzy
It's been an absolutely crazy past few months due to work and other flying ambitions, hence the lack of posting on here, and unfortunately the lack of hours gained in the sky! Currently at 11.5 hours now with the next lesson being stalling so definitely one to look forward to.
Will try and keep a log of how the lessons go, so would be great to hear if anyone else is at a similar position to me and how they're doing!
Cheers
Mazzy
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my fault was not putting carb heat back to cold in case of go around on final approach, the nmeonic CRAP works for me, carb heat cold, runway clear, approach good and permission.
fuel injection or a europa with no carb heat would work even better ;-)
fuel injection or a europa with no carb heat would work even better ;-)
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Yes Sir. At current rates it's hard to afford any more than 1-2 lessons per month. Combine this with having practically no spare time and its a challenge!
I may be different to others in the sense that I would rather get to a position where I can give it my all, than simply eat away at it with the odd hour here and there, I prefer the continuity! Different strokes for different folks.
Mazzy
I may be different to others in the sense that I would rather get to a position where I can give it my all, than simply eat away at it with the odd hour here and there, I prefer the continuity! Different strokes for different folks.
Mazzy
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18 months and 40 ish hours so far. Saturdays only for me, mostly.
I have a week booked off in each of the next 3 months so I hope to "nail it"; we'll see.
I see from my previous post I've only completed another 3 hours of solo since then...
I've had a particularly unlucky few weeks where one thing or another has meant my instructors "duty of care" has meant I haven't completed a local Navigation solo. I understand and accept this but it was/is frustrating as hell!
Then we get a beautiful Saturday for visibility but I completely fail to cope with the 10kt crosswind in a simple circuit check ride; thoroughly demoralising.
Fingers crossed for decent weather next week.
I have a week booked off in each of the next 3 months so I hope to "nail it"; we'll see.
I see from my previous post I've only completed another 3 hours of solo since then...
I've had a particularly unlucky few weeks where one thing or another has meant my instructors "duty of care" has meant I haven't completed a local Navigation solo. I understand and accept this but it was/is frustrating as hell!
Then we get a beautiful Saturday for visibility but I completely fail to cope with the 10kt crosswind in a simple circuit check ride; thoroughly demoralising.
Fingers crossed for decent weather next week.
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I think flying is one of those things where there is always a barrier to overcome in one way or another! Hope your flying is going well Blueduck, just out of interest (and not sure if you have already mentioned this) but how long was it before you went solo?
Not to be one of those people who are obsessed with doing it as quickly as possible, but would be good to get a feel for how long its taking everyone.... At the moment I'm in no real rush at all, would rather get to a point where I feel comfortable than rush in to it.
Ahh, and the joy of still needing to sit Air Law exam is on the back of my mind! Should be a fun next few months
Hope the weather stays off for you!
Not to be one of those people who are obsessed with doing it as quickly as possible, but would be good to get a feel for how long its taking everyone.... At the moment I'm in no real rush at all, would rather get to a point where I feel comfortable than rush in to it.
Ahh, and the joy of still needing to sit Air Law exam is on the back of my mind! Should be a fun next few months
Hope the weather stays off for you!
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Hi Mazzy28,
I was circa 21,22,23 hours or there about; logbook at home.
This was also an occasion where my instructor (rightly) held me back until all the conditions were right, namely my skill and comfort, his comfort and the weather.
Solo vid here...
I was circa 21,22,23 hours or there about; logbook at home.
This was also an occasion where my instructor (rightly) held me back until all the conditions were right, namely my skill and comfort, his comfort and the weather.
Solo vid here...
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>sept 3 - 2015
> Similarly, I have also had a go of landing as well,
>mar 30 2016
>Currently at 11.5 hours now with the next lesson being stalling
"Strange", umm, order of teaching skills.
> Similarly, I have also had a go of landing as well,
>mar 30 2016
>Currently at 11.5 hours now with the next lesson being stalling
"Strange", umm, order of teaching skills.
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Final skill test passed this weekend just gone. 
I ended up doing the circuit work on the Saturday, just before the 'orrible weather front came in.
Sunday afternoon I did the Navex & manoeuvres stuff.
During my course, over 21 calendar months, I have:
Had lessons with 4 instructors (including examiner), albeit 95% with one.
Had a demo of upset recovery training in a T67M (G-BNSP).
Flown 2x PA28 140 (G-AVLT and G-AYJR).
Land-away from Turweston (EGBT); at Wellesbourne, Leicester and Cambridge.
Clocked over 60 hours, I think.
Taken 4x 1 week leave to ramp-up my training schedule.
Spent around £10,000 on flying and ground-school and equipment (Books, CRP etc).
Bizarrely, there was no "woop-woop" moment on passing; I guess I have taken so long and tried to be so certain of things that it was a bit of an anti-climax to hear those words from the examiner.
I still have to collect all my paperwork from my instructor and send it all off to the CAA, so 4-5 weeks I'm guessing, before I possess a piece of paper with the magic words on.
Like Martin, I'm sure I'll look to the right and think "arrgh, where'd he go!"
I am looking forward to taking some friends up and widening my land-away experience to other parts of the UK in the next 12 months.
I ended up doing the circuit work on the Saturday, just before the 'orrible weather front came in.
Sunday afternoon I did the Navex & manoeuvres stuff.
During my course, over 21 calendar months, I have:
Had lessons with 4 instructors (including examiner), albeit 95% with one.
Had a demo of upset recovery training in a T67M (G-BNSP).
Flown 2x PA28 140 (G-AVLT and G-AYJR).
Land-away from Turweston (EGBT); at Wellesbourne, Leicester and Cambridge.
Clocked over 60 hours, I think.
Taken 4x 1 week leave to ramp-up my training schedule.
Spent around £10,000 on flying and ground-school and equipment (Books, CRP etc).
Bizarrely, there was no "woop-woop" moment on passing; I guess I have taken so long and tried to be so certain of things that it was a bit of an anti-climax to hear those words from the examiner.
I still have to collect all my paperwork from my instructor and send it all off to the CAA, so 4-5 weeks I'm guessing, before I possess a piece of paper with the magic words on.
Like Martin, I'm sure I'll look to the right and think "arrgh, where'd he go!"
I am looking forward to taking some friends up and widening my land-away experience to other parts of the UK in the next 12 months.
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Congratulations Blueduck you should be extremely proud of that. It's a hell of a lot of money and no doubt a lot of stress/time involved but can only imagine the sense of achievement!
I've had a very significant turn of events in the last few months, in that I've been offered a place on the easyJet MPL programme with CTC. Just now waiting on a medical then I should be good to go, so its exciting times ahead.
Would be interesting to know if anyone else is thinking of going commercial or taking things further with the PPL?
I've had a very significant turn of events in the last few months, in that I've been offered a place on the easyJet MPL programme with CTC. Just now waiting on a medical then I should be good to go, so its exciting times ahead.
Would be interesting to know if anyone else is thinking of going commercial or taking things further with the PPL?
